I am not a nurse, but I had a thyroidectomy nearly 3 years ago and just wanted to ask have you been given physiotherapy exercises to do to reduce the tightness? I still do the ones I was given which include turning my head as far as it will go from side to side, up and down, raising my arms above my head, shrugging my shoulders, rolling my shoulders. Even now, I find if I don't do them for a day or two, it starts to get tight again.

Hi Sj92 and thanks for posting.

It sounds like you’re having a difficult time.  Recovering after surgery can sometimes be more challenging than we expect.

People who have had thyroid surgery can experience some feelings of tightness around the area of their scar.  We have some information here about this. 

There is a leaflet here about recovering from thyroid surgery which includes exercises to reduce stiffness and tightness. 

It may also be helpful to talk to the team that has been caring for you about what has been happening.  They will be able to examine you and make sure you do not have an infection or anything else that may be causing the scar to feel so tight.

You said that you have been panicking and have feelings that you can’t breathe at times.  There are some tips here to help you through times when you are feeling like this, which you may find helpful. 

If you continue to get these feelings of panic and not being able to breathe it could help to talk to your GP who will be experienced in supporting people with feelings of panic and can offer ideas to manage this.

Please get back to us if you need any more information or support.  You may find it helpful to talk things through with one of the nurses on our helpline.  The number to call is Freephone 0808 800 4040 and the lines are open from 9am till 5pm Monday to Friday.

Take care,

Rachel

Hi I had the same operation as you only a few days after, everything feels very tight including my lump nodes feel rock hard, I try and stretch as often as possible as I'm so much more comfortable hunched over.

are you haven't any clicking in your throat ? I'm really struggling with a click when I swollow. I'm also making allot of noise when coughing like I have no control over my voice box as allot of involuntary noises 

i had my op on 16th december and these exercises have helped me a lot.   i wasnt given physiotherapy advice after my op but i researched it myself and glad to see im doing it right.